ALPINE ELECTRONICS NOW SHIPPING NEW BLUETOOTH-EQUIPPED HEAD UNITS

TORRANCE, Calif., Dec. 13, 2010 – Alpine Electronics of America, Inc. today announced the shipping of two new head units with built-in Bluetooth® wireless technology. The CDE-125BT and CDE-126BT CD receivers are the first new head units to debut from Alpine’s 2011 model lineup.

Audio Features
The CDE-125BT and CDE-126BT are single-DIN units. Both have a front USB and 3.5 mm input for basic music playback from audio sources such as an external hard drive or thumb drive. The units are “Made for iPod® and iPhone®” and require the KCE-433iV cable to provide full, integrated control of iPod or iPhone music from the head unit (the KCE-433iV is included with the CDE-126BT, but sold separately for the CDE-125BT). Each unit has a built-in 18W RMS x 4 amplifier (at CEA-2006 power ratings). The CDE-125BT has red/blue illumination, one preout and MP3 playback via a CD or USB. The CDE-126BT has red or blue selectable illumination, two preouts and MP3/WMA/AAC playback via CD or USB. Both units are compatible with the KTP-445 head unit power pack (sold separately), which amplifies the head unit’s power output and creates tighter bass and clearer highs.

Hands-free Calling Features
The CDE-125BT and CDE-126BT offer hands-free calling features so that user can access phone calls through their car’s audio system. The units use a built-in Bluetooth wireless technology module powered by Parrot, to offer compatibility with a wide variety of phones. For optimal sound quality, both units come with an external microphone, allowing drivers to mount the microphone in a location that offers the best placement for their needs. Echo is often a problem when routing phone calls wirelessly through the vehicle’s audio system because the multiple speakers can cause feedback into the microphone. To alleviate this annoyance, the CDE-125BT and CDE-126BT allow the user to assign one of the vehicle’s speakers for phone call playback. By choosing the speaker that best works in conjunction with the microphone location, the level of feedback can be greatly reduced.

Once the phone is paired with the CDE-125BT or CDE-126BT, a simple press of the “Phone” button starts the calling process. Contacts that are already in the user’s address book can be quickly scrolled and accessed using the alphabet search feature. Missed Calls, Dialed Calls, and Received Calls can be displayed on the head unit as long as the phone can display this same information. Caller ID is available if the caller is already listed in the user’s address book. The CDE-125BT and CDE-126BT support voice-tag dialing and auto-answer, if the paired phone has these features.

Pricing and Availability
Pricing for the CDE-125BT is $230 SRI, the CDE-126BT is $270 SRI, the KCE-433iV cable is $30 SRI, and the KTP-445 head unit power pack is $140. All four products are available now and can be found at authorized Alpine retailers. Please visit www.alpine-usa.com to locate a retailer.

About Alpine Electronics
Alpine Electronics is an automotive electronics manufacturer that supports drivers in over 60 countries and provides the world’s leading auto makers with audio, video, navigation and driver assistance products. The company specializes in system integration solutions with innovative vehicle entertainment and information technologies.

Alpine’s R&D and manufacturing facilities in Japan, China, Europe and North America ensure that all products address the real world requirements of drivers in each market. The company is committed to developing products that are safe, comfortable and eco-friendly for the automotive environment.

For more information about Alpine’s aftermarket products, visit www.alpine-usa.com. For more information about Alpine Electronics, visit www.alpine.com.

Notice: Product information is based upon current information at the time of writing, but cannot be guaranteed. All designs, features, specifications and delivery dates are subject to change without notice.